It’s amazing how many products you begin to accumulate in the medicine chest as soon as you have kids. That’s one of the reasons I like this multipurpose Derma-E Tea Tree and E Antiseptic Creme. With its pleasant tea tree oil scent, this cream calms skin without overwhelming the nose. You can use it on dry irritated skin, burns, diaper rash, you name it. It is easy to apply and isn’t greasy. Its eco-friendly formula is safe for use on kids of any age. You can purchase a 4 oz jar for $7.49 at LuckyVitamin.com.

Nudey!Rudey! is a company from New Zealand that makes cloth diapers, or “nappies.” They advertise them as being easy to use, pocket cloth nappies that use inserts (sold separately). This Ecochico cloth nappy has an outer covering made of hand-stamped hemp, an inner hidden lining with breathable, leak-proof PUL, and a soft layer of quick-wicking microfleece to help keep baby dry. It is stuffed with a combination of microfiber and hemp inserts and guaranteed to keep baby dry through the night. You can view all of Nudey!Rudey!’s nappies at NudeyRudeyCo.nz, where the Ecochico sells for $35.95 NZD (about $23 USD). Shipping is free if you have a New Zealand address. Bad news? Shipping is a flat rate of $30 NZD (about $18 USD) to the United States.

Epicuren Baby Diaper Spray is a high-end diaper rash treatment/barrier. The product makes use of 25% zinc oxide in addition to aromatic oils. The spray formula makes it easy to apply. Anyone who has ever used super-thick creams can appreciate this feature. The Anne Geddes photo on the bottle is pretty cute, too. You can purchase a bottle for $19.50 at luxurybabynursery.com. While you are there, you can check out the rest of the line as well.

GADBaby cloth diapers are designed to make diaper changes easier. With smart side snaps, the diapers are easier for parents to put on and take off, but harder for babies/toddlers to remove. The snaps are also adjustable to baby’s size and shape. Made with PUL, a waterproof fabric, on the outside layer, and bamboo velour on the inside, these cloth diapers are super soft. Plus, GADBaby cloth diapers are pocket diapers, and you can put an absorbent hemp insert in for the utmost in eco-friendliness. They come in a variety of colors and are guaranteed to be leak-free. You can view the diapers at GADBaby.com/blog, where they sell for $14.95.

I’m not usually one to gush about diaper bags, but I’m going to make an exception in this case. I just saw the Eglan Brown Circle Diaper Bag in person, and all I can say is, wow, what a bag! If you think all diaper bags are essentially the same, you haven’t seen the Eglan Line of Baby Bee Bags. This bag is so organized, with a place for everything for the busy mom or dad. A large main zippered compartment with a changing pad provides plenty of room for changes of clothing. Another large zippered compartment is a bit narrower and perfect for diapers, wipes, or cloths. There are two external bottle pockets, a front cell phone pocket, a back pocket, and a front detachable pocket that can be worn as a fanny pack. There are straps galore, with two adjustable straps on the back to act as a backpack or stroller ties, and a wide, adjustable shoulder strap.

What’s so remarkable about this bag is that it’s stylish to boot. Usually a nicely organized diaper bag like this comes in a hideous color or style that isn’t appealing — not the Eglan Line. All of their designs are fashionable. This micro fiber bag is a bag you’ll want to use even after the kids are out of diapers. Measuring 13″ x 15″ x 6″, it would make a perfect laptop case, briefcase, or travel case. You can view the entire line of Eglan diaper bags and brick and mortar stores where they’re sold at BabyBeeBags.com. You’ll have to pay for this much organization and stylishness combined, however: the Brown Circle bag sells in stores for $139.00. You can purchase it online for a bit less — $129.95 — at ShowerYourBaby.com.

The Stokke Xplory stroller is unique in that it brings your child up to parental eye-level, and away from dirty streets. Some say that the added eye contact between baby and parent increases bonding. It must provide a much better view for baby, to say the least. The Stokke Xplory also makes it easier for parents to tend to baby while in the stroller, without bending over. With an adjustable footrest and two-way seating, the Stokke Xplory is designed to be used from birth to 40 lbs/4 years old. It can also be used with certain car seats, including the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio or the Graco Snugride, with adapters (sold separately). It does carry a hefty price tag, however: for the Stokke Xplory Complete, which includes bassinet, seat, sun canopy, mosquito net, rain cover, under seat basket, and bassinet liners, costs a whopping $1399.99 CAD (about $1236.68 USD). Without the bassinet, it’s a bit less, at $1199.00 CAD ($1059.18 USD). However, if you purchase before July 15 and register the warranty online, Stokke will give you a free diaper bag, worth $120 ($106 USD). Visit CrocodileBaby.com for details.

Although I tend to purchase rather feminine diaper bags, I like the clean, athletic, and outdoorsy style of this Sherpani Nuvie Diaper Bag. This unique pack features a roomy interior with lots of pockets for all the things you need to bring along. You can stash your cell phone in the shoulder strap to keep it handy, and convenient side pockets hold water bottles. The inside has a bright floral liner. The bag is available in either “Palm” or “Sea Mist,” and retails for $70. You can pick one up at rei.com.

New parents often track everything their newborn does, from when he feeds and how much, to when he sleeps (and how much), to when his diaper is changed. But moms of older babies and toddlers might want to track their activities as well. Time Too has invented the Baby Tracker, a journaling system that monitors baby’s activities and schedule. It helps parents determine if their child is eating enough, sleeping enough, and the time that they took special supplements or medicine. There’s a list of to-do items, a place to record milestones, and an area for special notes. It also includes reference information, keeping health facts and resources in a central place. The Baby Tracker sells for $19 for the basic childcare record, with options to buy refillable trackers and packages at a higher cost. You can view the Baby Tracker at TimeToo.com, where they also sell a Family Tracker for families with school-age children.

I am a big fan of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Cleaning products. I always get excited when a new scent is released, and sad when some of my favorites are retired. So, I think it is pretty neat that the company has branched out into baby essentials. For $34.99, you can sample the collection, which includes hair and body shampoo, baby lotion, diaper balm, lip and cheek balm, and a bath mitt. Everything is Earth-friendly and cruelty-free. it would make a great gift. Unfortunately, it is only available online. You can purchase it at mrsmeyers.com.

Here’s the perfect baby shower gift for an environmentally-conscious mom: an Eco Friendly Diaper Cake. Made by Diaper Cakewalk, this diaper cake features 40 Seventh Generation chlorine-free disposable diapers in size 1, Burt’s Bees all natural luxury baby care products, and an elephant made from all-natural cotton and colored with vegetable dye. It’s a useful, practical, and earth-friendly gift. The diaper cake comes in two sizes: three tiers (containing 40-45 diapers) for $79 or four tiers (containing 70-75 diapers) for $109. You can view and purchase this great gift at DiaperCakewalk.com.

I’ve been a regular user of disposable swim diapers with all of my girls. Not only do I feel guilty about adding even more diapers to landfills, but I really don’t have confidence in them, even though they are “pool approved” everywhere we go. I find it suspicious that they remain very flat even after much swimming. I’d think that if diaper technology had really advanced that far, there would be no need to regular diapers to swell so immensely with size…

So, I’ve been on the lookout for a reliable, reusable, swim diaper for my infant. I am currently leaning toward this Sun Smarties model. It is made of soft microfiber with a  terry liner. They are available in several colors and can be purchased for $12.95 each at onestepahead.com. I’m hoping this will take a little of the worry out of my summer!

New parents are usually interested in keeping track of everything their newborn does - from how much and when she eats, to how many times a day she soils her diaper and what color it is, to nap and sleep times. It’s very important to note these behaviors, especially if you’re breastfeeding. That’s why I like Aunt LaLa’s Log by RosieBear, a company made up of two sisters who create must-haves for new moms. It’s a stylish way to record your baby’s behaviors and patterns during her first three months of life. Aunt LaLa’s Log is available in girl, boy, and generic design, in Standard format. Normally sellling for $29.95 for Standard format or $49.95 for Twins format, UpscaleBaby.com readers can purchase this innovative product at a 10% discount for a limited time only, by accessing http://www.rosiebear.com/index_files/FabulousFriends.htm and entering the code UPSCALE. (You can only receive the discount by accessing this specific page, not by going to the website and ordering through the normal process).

There comes a time in every parent’s life when he or she has to change baby’s diaper hurriedly, perhaps in a public situation, without a proper changing pad. If you keep an Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad rolled up in your diaper bag, however, this problem will never happen to you again. The Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad is a soft, comfortable, luxurious changing pad that comes pre-packaged in a convenient cylinder, making it easily portable. It contains a thick layer of memory foam which molds to baby’s shape and makes it even more cushy for the tushy. The Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad can also be used as a play mat for tummy time or anytime you want to sit baby on the floor but want him to be protected from dirt.

A favorite of celebrity parents such as Jessica Alba, Elisabeth & Tim Hasselbeck, and Patrick Dempsey, the lightweight, portable Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad is available in many unique, colorful styles. It can be yours for just $29.94 at AhGooBaby.com.

If you’re a fan of Gerber baby wear, you’ll like Netkidswear.com . They’ve got tons of great products at great prices, and several other brands, like Spencer and Carter’s, at sale prices as well. The best deal I found was the Everyday Essentials 6-Pack Vinyl Pants by Gerber for $3.97, down from $10. Though there are only Size Small Pink ones left, if you’ve got girls, grab ‘em up. I never find small sizes, so these are really a steal.

Gerber Vinyl Pants are great for over cloth diapers, because they hold tons in and are easy to slip on. However, they are bulky. I use the blue/sport theme/striped versions on my boys, grabbing them whenever they’re on sale at Wal-Mart (or when they’re not—they’re not overly pricey.) They’re inexpensive to replace but will last longer if you wash them by hand; otherwise, they will wear out pretty quickly.

Not only do I love organic clothing for its texture and durability but I love clothing that is both organic and made to fit over cloth diapers. The Parade Organic Rompers Pure Collection is on sale for $19.60 (down from $28.99) in sizes 12-18 months. Fruity colors, wonderful for either boys or girls, still offered are bright shades of green, yellow, and turquoise with adorable front pockets. The neckline (in a contrasting cream color) makes getting baby in and out easier. Match to cute shoes and a cap and you’ve got an outfit for really any occasion. From LittleBundles.ca.